We've been scanning the weather for days, waiting for a window to cross the English Channel to Cornwall, Scilly or the Irish coast. In honor of our departure from France, we stick a big map in the square so that the children can follow our movements.
The weather, the essential element
Once the weather has been recorded with several weather applications and GRIB files, we look at the different possible destinations on OpenCPN, taking into account the wind. We plot routes and, extrapolating our speed, we look at what we can reach in the time offered by the wind.
Then, we refine the potential anchorages with other mapping software and satellite images to see the bottom. As we have already sailed in this area, we also have a good base of information and documentation (guides and maps).
A big tidy up before leaving
Unfortunately, the time passed and the weather was not very favorable. We end up taking position on a short window of East to North-East wind to go up to the Scilly archipelago in the South-West of England. We then started to prepare for the departure.
Ideally, the boat would still be perfectly tidy and we would only have to spend a short time to be able to leave. But this is not the case (surprisingly). No matter how much we tidy up, the mess always ends up being there!
Nothing should move during the crossing
So we need no less than a first day to get the boat completely tidy and all the stuff well secured. As we plan to sail close-hauled, Arthur risks moving. We even have to add a net to secure the toolboxes temporarily installed in the bunk.
The deck is also totally cleaned of everything we had piled up on it. The mercy anchor reintegrates the boat under Tristan's bunk to better distribute the weight. The mast step is cleared so that we have a good view on the front from the saloon.
A final trip ashore before departure
The second day is dedicated to the preparation of the departure as such. On land, we have to buy bread and fresh products for a few days, but also throw away the garbage and the glass. The children also ask to stay a moment on the beach to stretch their legs.
How to make navigation easier
Then we have to prepare meals in advance because we never know if cooking will be possible while sailing. We also transform the sofa into a bunk for the night. The children's beds are emptied of everything superfluous and well equipped with a mattress protector because there is nothing worse than a seasickness that spreads on all the bedding...
We also make sure we have books, snacks and hot drinks available. Since it is not warm, especially at night, hats are out, as well as fleeces. And the pavilions are prepared for the arrival abroad!
Mandatory checks
For the navigation, we also have to think about charging all the devices: tablets, phones, portable VHF, external batteries and flashlights. As for every departure, we also make sure to check the diesel level in the main tank, the oil level of the engine and the propeller shaft, the battery and the functioning of the instruments. We take the time to check the lights of the boat since we leave at night.
And security too
On the safety side, we have to equip the life jackets with lanyards and add individual distress beacons in the pockets of the oilskins as well as flashlights. It's a bit cumbersome, but it's also reassuring! We would also like to make a crossing declaration to the CROSS, but, caught by time, we omit this step.
In short, our two days of preparation are quickly over because we have to take off in the evening to go out with the favorable current in the bay of Brest and take advantage of the good wind of the night. Let's go to the Scilly Islands!
